Resolution Run brings out hardy participants

Skies were clear which meant temperatures were frosty for the fourth annual Resolution Run for the Heroes on Saturday. Participants of all ages gathered at Skansie Brothers Park in downtown Gig Harbor, warmed up by complimentary coffee and cocoa from Forza Coffee, to take part in the 5K run and walk and 10K run to benefit Behind the Badge Foundation, whose mission includes support of the following for Washington state law enforcement officials: the state-recognized Line of Duty Death Response Team, financial support for line of duty death memorial services, support for catastrophically injured officer issues, a resource center to network counseling, financial planning, memorial planning, and legal assistance for affected families, and ongoing maintenance of the State Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. Event organizers were pleased with the turnout of more than 350 runners, while some of the volunteers were happy to have a small, portable "fire pit" nearby to stay warm. The final tally wasn't known at press time Monday, but event coordinator DeeAnne Shaw said they had raised at least $4,000. All funds raised after the bills are paid will be donated to Behind the Badge Foundation.

From left, Resolution Run company sponsors Ted Buethe of Heartstring Construction, and Bryan Barber of Harbor Graphics stay warm near a propane fire prior to the start of the run.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Bundled up in a double stroller for the 5K run are Olalla residents Emma Joy, 3, and Carson Lystad, 1.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Volunteers and event organizers are ready as participants check in at the Skansie Brothers Park pavilion.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

At left, Beth Glein, of Gig Harbor, fills out her check-in form while volunteer Christina Kendrick gets a number bib for her to wear.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Forza coffee brought in a portable coffee stand and served up complimentary coffee and cocoa to help runners stay warm. Enjoying some of the free beverages in the Nahara family, from left, Xaxi, 9, Ingrid, 6, and their dad, David.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Eric and Jennifer Swanson, of Port Angeles, stretch prior to the start of the 10K run, with their children, Oscar, 3, and Axel, 2, warmly wrapped in the jogging stroller.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Robert Hart, of Gig Harbor, snaps a photo of his family, from left, Tyler, 8, his wife, Monica, and Trevor, 6, just before the start of the run.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Jennifer Dickson, left, from Carnation, gets a hot cup of coffee from Natalyn Chasteen, of Gig Harbor, who works at the Forza Coffee in Gig Harbor.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Gig Harbor Police officer Mike Allen, far right, left his familiar motorcycle at the office in exchange for a cruiser as he completes a radio check to make certain the run course is clear before starting the morning’s run.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Participants do what they can to stay warm and loose as they receive last-minute instructions from course officials prior to the start of the 10K event.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Runners begin the 10K event, which was followed five minutes later with the start of the 5K run and walk.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Runners begin the 10K event, which was followed five minutes later with the start of the 5K run and walk.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Runners begin the 10K event, which was followed five minutes later with the start of the 5K run and walk.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

Eric Swanson, of Port Angeles, negotiates some traffic cones as he begins the 10K run with his sons Oscar, 3, and Axel, 2, along for the ride in the jogging stroller.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

The participants of the 5K event begin their course at the five-minute mark of the 10K run.

Ric Hallock | Gig Harbor Life

The participants of the 5K event begin their course at the five-minute mark of the 10K run.